RECOGNIZED FIELD TRIAL RULES AND JUDGING STANDARDS

NATIONAL SHOOT-TO-RETRIEVE ASSOCIATION, INC.

Judging Committee 2015

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OBJECTIVES

• Judging Guidelines
• Scoring, plus and minus factors, range guidelines and examples
• Judging Rules
• NSTRA approved rules for judging in the areas of the find, the retrieve, the back, dog obedience and ground coverage
• Rules for Recognized Field Trials
• NSTRA approved rules that apply to NSTRA field trials with interpretations and applications
• References: Rules Book 2014, Judging Guidelines 2012, Judging Instructor Guide 2014, Certification Test 2012

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Scoring system range: 0-100 and 0-75
• Use full range, judge rather then score-keep
• 1. Find Score: 0-100

Scoring begins when the dog makes game and ends when the bird is flushed

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• 2. Retrieve Score: 0-100

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• 3. Back Score: 0-75

Scoring begins when backing dog has opportunity to see pointing dog

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• 4. Ground Coverage Score: 0-100

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• 5. Obedience Score: 0-75

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Scoring Ranges:
• 0-100 (Find, Retrieve, Ground Coverage)
• Excellent within 80-100 range
• Good within 60-80 range
• Fair within 30-60 range
• Poor within 20-30 range
• Very Poor within 0-20 range
• 0-75 (Obedience, Back)
• Excellent within 60-75 range
• Good within 40-60 range
• Fair within 20-40 range
• Poor within 0-20 range

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• Rules for Find (0-100):

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• 1.01 “Point” must be called by the handler before a judge can score a creditable find.
• Exception: In the event a handler is unable to see a dog on point, the judge will being judging the point and advise the handler his dog is on point.

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• Application: If the judge is aware that the dog is on point, do not take the find away because the handler fails to call point. 4/93

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• 1.02
• When a dog establishes point, the handler will proceed to their dog and begin to flush immediately. If the judge of the pointing dog determines that the handler is not making an aggressive attempt to flush, they will direct the handler to relocate their dog. Judges may not communicate via radio or any other means the desire of a handler who wants a back or the willingness of a handler to wait on their brace mate to get a back.

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 1.03  If a bird flushes after “point” is called by the handler and, in the judge’s opinion, the dog did not cause the bird to flush, credit shall be given for the find, but not an automatic retrieve.

*If dog retrieves the bird, he will be scored.� *Definition of a flush: an aggressive attempt must be made to flush the bird; when a bird is removed from its resting place.

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Interpretation: The judge should use good judgment to ensure the dog has obtained control and has in fact established point. A walking bird does not mean that it has been removed from its resting place. 4/93

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 1.06 With dog on point, or involved in retrieve, when brace time has expired, handler/gunner shall have one (1) minute to complete flush and retrieve. The dog shall not be allowed to relocate.

*If a retrieve is not completed before the additional one (1) minute has expired, a slash shall be given.

• Interpretation: If the dog moves the feet it is considered relocation and should be picked up immediately. 4/93
• Application: If the handler does not reach the area to flush the bird within the extra one minute but yet the judge sees the bird on the ground the find still cannot be scored because the flush was not completed within the one minute. 11/00

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 1.07 No credit shall be given for the pointing of dead birds.

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*If in doubt, the judge may inspect the bird to determine if the find can be scored.

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• Application: A find will not be scored if the handler/gunner is flushing and steps on the bird and kills it even if the bird is hot. If the judge can confirm that the bird was alive it may be scored. 4/93

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 1.08  When two dogs are found on point or actually pointing the same bird at the same time, each shall be given credit for a find but shall be judged on a scale of 0-50 instead of 0-100 for the find.

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*Dogs will be scored on the find before the flush. They will each receive one-half of their average retrieve. Dogs shall be scored individually on finds. Either handler may flush and shoot the bird - judges’ decision.

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 1.09  All scored dog work in a field trial must take place inside the boundaries (dog and bird must be inside specified boundaries) to be classified as a legal find.
• Exception: If backing dog is in bounds and pointing dog is out of bounds, the back is scored.
• Application: A pointed bird is in bounds and the pointing dog is out of bounds. The judge should instruct the handler/gunner to take the bird out. If a bird is not flushed and a bird was not seen flying in ask handler to relocate to be sure no bird is there. 4/93
• Application: If a Bird is out of bounds is flushed in bounds by dog or handler it is marked dead for the brace and should be taken out if possible. 4/93

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

1.09 Continued

• Application: A bird that flies into the bird field, from out of bounds on its own is scored provided that it was not flushed into the field from an adjacent field trial. The bird should be marked for three (3) minutes if no adjacent bird field is being used. 4/93
• Application: If a handler/gunner walks a bird in from an out of bounds area he/she should directed to take the bird out for no score. 4/93
• Application: If a dog has a find close to the boundary line and the judge sees the bird walk out of bounds before the handler arrives to flush. The judge should advise the handler of the situation when he/she arrives and score the find provided that the dog has remained on point. The judge should then permit the handler to go out of bounds to attempt to flush the bird. If the bird is flushed and retrieved it is scored. If a bird is not flushed a slash is to be awarded for the retrieve. It is important that the judge be on top of the work. 10/01

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 1.10 Gunner must attempt to flush pointed birds to receive credit for the find unless rule #1.03 in the judging rules (find) has been applied. However, birds that cannot fly may be thrown in the air to get credit for a retrieve. Gunner has option of firing gun.

*After an adequate attempt to flush, (or kick the bird out) the handler may ask permission to throw the bird in the air, after the judge has been satisfied that the bird is alive. Gunner will not hit the bird over a gun barrel or other object.

• Interpretation: An aggressive attempt to flush must be attempted before being allowed to throw the bird for a retrieve. The handler/gunner must have permission from judge before the bird can be thrown. The judge will not allow the handler to intentionally kill the bird. When the judge gives permission or requires that a bird be thrown for a scored retrieve, the judge is to advise the handler not to kill the bird. If the handler still then kills the bird and in the judge’s opinion the handler intentionally disregarded the judge’s direction the judge may withhold the retrieve score. 4/93

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 1.10 Continued
• Application: If the dog is in full motion when the flush occurs the find will not be scored. The bird is marked for three minutes. 5/92
• Application: When a dog is on point and the handler/gunner is making several attempts to flush at different areas of cover and the bird walks out of the cover, between the handler and dog. At that moment the flush has occurred and the dog can break point and be scored on the find but the score should be lowered. Be sure the handler’s presence is what caused the bird to flush from his cover. 4/93
• Application: A bird that is walking around when the point occurs is not considered to have been flushed and the pointing dog is expected to hold until the presence of the handler/gunner causes the bird to change direction or take flight. The bird is considered to have never been in its resting place. 5/92

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 1.11 Point and/or credit shall be given for only one bird per find.

*If more than one bird is pointed, all other birds will be marked to the best of the judges’ ability, for three (3) minutes.

• Application: If a dog has a scored find and the gunner flushes two birds; shoots one dead, but the dog catches the un shot bird and makes a nice retrieve, the retrieve should be scored. 4/93
• Interpretation: If the judge sees more than one bird they must be marked for three minutes regardless whether or not the birds take flight. This rule was written for this specific circumstance. Other guidelines regarding marked birds do not apply to this rule. 4/00
• Application: Only one bird may be shot at when multiple bird finds have occurred. All other birds will be marked for (3) three minutes, if the bird(s) stay in bounds. If the bird(s) fly out of bounds they will still be marked and out of competition. However, if it is clear to the judge that the pointing dog has not seen the first bird flushed and shot and has instead marked (chasing) another bird that was flushed, that bird may be shot for a possible scored retrieve. 2/05

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 1.14 Marked bird is a judge’s decision. This is a bird that may have been flushed by a judge, handler, dog, etc., and cannot be pointed for three (3) minutes as a scored find. Should a dog point a marked bird in less than three minutes, the gunner must shoot the bird for a non scored find and/or retrieve.

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*A marked bird is marked to both handlers and both should be notified immediately if possible. The dog cannot be led off a marked bird by the handler.�*Definition of flush: an aggressive attempt must be made to flush the bird; when a bird is removed from its resting place.

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

1.14 Continued

• Application: In the case where a dog points a marked bird in less than three minutes but the handler is unable to produce a bird the judge should mark the area dead for the brace and treat the area the same as that of a scored on marked bird and require that two birds to be produced if a dog points in the area later in the same brace.
• Interpretation: Dogs cannot be led off and/or called off of pointed birds regardless if they are marked, scored on or whatever; all pointed birds must be taken out. 11/00
• Application: Stop to Flush: In cases where a bird is flushed (marked bird) in close proximity to a dog, and in the judge’s opinion the dog stops to flush, the dog’s handler should be given an opportunity to call the dog off. If the dog turns and leaves the area the bird remains a marked bird for the remainder of the three minutes. If the dog, when called off, turns toward the marked bird and points it the judge should consider that the dog was pointing the marked bird and the bird should be taken out as required by the rule. 11/00
• Application: Nothing should be said to anyone in the case where a judge sees a bird on the ground and assumes that the handler/gunner may have also seen it. A bird seen on the ground walking is not considered a marked bird unless it moved from its resting place as a result of the presence of a handler, gunner, judge, or dog. 4/93

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 1.15 The judges will not knowingly let a bird be scored more than once per brace.

*Judge may ask that scored bird be removed from the field at his discretion.

• 1.16 Interference: If, in the judge’s opinion, a dog interferes with its brace mate while on point causing the bird to flush, a find and average retrieve will be given.

*A dog that continues to flush its brace mate’s birds, disrupts brace mate’s ability to compete by continually fighting and/or taking out birds without scoring will be picked up at judge’s discretion.

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

1.16 Continued

• Interpretation: For the purpose of this rule “continues” means more than once. A warning will be given for the first infraction and pickup after the second infraction. Judges, at their discretion, can have a dog picked up after the first infraction. 2/96
• Application: Dogs that flush a bird on their own, before or after point has been established, shall be given a warning with the first infraction and shall be picked up after a second infraction. 8/04
• Application: If a brace mate comes to the area and moves ahead of the pointing dog and points, and if the pointing dog then leaves the find (breaks point), the bird should be taken out and no credit will be given for the find. The brace mate will be given a zero for refusing to back. 4/93
• Application: If a brace mate fails to back a pointing dog and moves in front of it but does not point the bird, and the pointing dog then breaks after him and together they take the bird out, no interference is awarded because the pointing dog is considered to have broken point under pressure. If however, the brace mate bumps (touches) the pointing dog, interference is to be awarded and the pointing dog is scored on the find and given an average retrieve. 4/93

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 2.02  A dog must retrieve the bird to within three (3) feet of its handler, who shall remain in the same spot, before any credit is to be given for the retrieve.

*Handler may step out of heavy cover, but may not advance toward the dog or bird. Should the retrieving dog back its brace mate during the course of a retrieve (going to, picking up, or returning to the handler) the handler may advance to the backing dog and hold him for the back. The dog shall receive an average score for the retrieve and shall be scored on the back. Should the retrieving dog go on point during the course of a retrieve (picking up, or returning to the handler with bird) the handler may advance to the pointing dog and attempt to complete the find. The dog shall receive an average score for the retrieve and shall be scored on the find if it can otherwise be scored.

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

2.02 Continued

• Interpretation: If a dog is broke to Wing and Shot, the handler may release the dog in the normal manner, i.e., touch, whistle. The dog must retrieve the bird to where the handler was standing when they released the dog. 4/93

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Note: “(picking up or returning to the handler with bird)” means that the retrieving dog must have found the downed bird and have the bird in its (the dog’s) mouth. 2/05

Note: For clarification the last sentence above means that “an average retrieve score for the (first) retrieve and shall be scored on the (second) find if it can otherwise be scored.” 2/05

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

2.02 Continued

• Interpretation: If the judge sees more than one bird they must be marked for three minutes regardless whether or not the birds take flight. This rule was written for this specific circumstance. Other guidelines regarding marked birds do apply to this rule. 4/00
• Application: Only one bird may be shot at when multiple bird finds have occurred. All other birds will be marked for (3) three minutes, if the bird(s) stay in bounds. If the bird(s) fly out of bounds they will still be marked and out of competition. If, however, it is clear to the judge that the pointing dog has not seen the first bird flushed and shot and has instead marked (chasing) another bird that was flushed, that bird may be shot for a possible scored retrieve. 2/05

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 2.04  If a gunner is unable to shoot bird for danger of hitting other individuals and/or animals, an automatic retrieve shall be granted. If at the end of the brace a dog has one or more finds and all average retrieves the judge shall have the handler throw a dead bird for a scored retrieve. The score received for the thrown bird shall be applied to all averages received during the brace.

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 2.05  At any time the judge or gunner may call safety, whether after one or more shots, and an average retrieve will be given. If in the opinion of the judge, shot is deliberately fired after he calls safety, retrieve is not scored.

*Judge will ‘OK’ all safeties under his judgment, and at his discretion.�*All averages are to be indicated by A or Average.

• Interpretation: If the retrieve is not scored because a shot was fired after safety was called, a slash is placed on the score card. 4/93
• Application: The gunner must have at least one live round in their gun before a safety will be allowed, i.e. an over and under after firing two shots (unless it is reloaded). 4/93

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 2.06  If the gunner or handler misses the bird and the bird flies off and the dog has no opportunity for a retrieve. The judge should indicate so on the score card opposite the score for the find with a slash mark (/).

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*If a dog has no opportunity to retrieve, a slash is not a number and is not figured in the average retrieve scores.

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 2.07  If a bird is dropped and the dog finds the bird, but refuses to pick it up or fails to bring bird to within three (3) feet (rule 2.02 - Retrieve) of the handler, then a zero (0) must be indicated on the score card opposite the score for the find.

*Zero (0) is a number, and indicates the dog refused to retrieve. This is included in figuring the average.

• Application: If a crippled bird is pointed by the retrieving dog after the find has been scored. Handler cannot call him off or break point. Score should be: Slash. 11/00

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 2.08  If, in the opinion of the judge, the dog could not see the bird dropped, or some other unusual situation occurs the judge may issue a slash mark on the card opposite the score for the find. Therefore, not penalizing the dog on the retrieve.

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*If a dog has no opportunity to retrieve, a slash is not a number and is not figured in the average retrieve scores.�*No guns will be fired except over scored finds or with judges’ permission.

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• Interpretation: Gunner will not be allowed to shoot the gun to encourage the dog to retrieve the bird. 4/93

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 2.11  Judges shall collect all dead birds or retrieved birds when shot in each brace.

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*Judges should remind both handlers during the brace to provide shot birds. Do not allow handlers to bag retrieved birds at anytime during the brace.

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 3.01 A back is defined as when the dog “sees” the other dog pointing, he stops and remains stationary until released by the judge and/or handler or if the pointing dog breaks into a hunting mode. 7/13 Back must be called by handler before judge can score a creditable back.

*In the event a handler is unable to see a dog backing, the judge will begin judging the back and advise the handler that his dog is backing. The judge may hold the backing dog at his discretion. If the judge believes that the second dog did see the pointing dog and did not stop until after he smelled the bird, then a zero back score is awarded. 7/13

• Interpretation: Same as find: if the judge is aware the dog is backing, do not disallow the back if handler fails to call back. 4/93

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• Rules for Back (0-75):

FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 3.02 A dog must back on his own, without command, before the judge can credit the back.

*A handler may handle his dog into the general area of the pointing dog. If in the judge’s opinion, the handler intimidates the dog to a back, he may withhold score.

• Interpretation: Judges are advised to be alert for command backs; if they feel the dog backed on command, they are not to score the back but give the dog another opportunity. If in the judge’s opinion the dog saw the pointing dog, before the handler commanded the dog to stop, and failed to back, a zero score should be awarded for the back. 4/93

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 3.03 The backing dog must be held by his handler until the pointing dog completes his retrieve. Failure to abide by this rule will result in forfeiture of backing points. However, if shooter has not produced a bird within two (2) minutes after backing dog backs, he must relocate his dog.

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*The relocation must be in the same general area as the point occurred. Each time a dog backs, the handler should hold the backing dog and not lead the dog off. However, maximum time to hold a backing dog shall be a total of three (3) minutes per piece of work.

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

3.03 Continued

• Interpretation: Time on the backing dog starts when the dog backs; time keeping begins when back occurs. The backing dog must be held until judge releases it. When pointing dog relocates on its own, the backing dog should be released by the judge. NOTE: Creeping or steps are not relocating. The pointing dog will be cut for this, but judge will not allow backing dog to be turned loose. The backing dog shall be held each time it backs, regardless of how many times it backs. The handler of the pointing dog shall wait until the backing dog is held before attempting to flush; failure to abide to this could result in forfeiture of find. 4/93
• Interpretation: Relocation is defined as: When a dog, either by command from the handler or on its own goes into a hunting mode. It should not be confused with creeping or steps. 4/93

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 3.04  When the handler of the pointing dog asks a judge to relocate, the handler of the backing dog must hold their dog for one (1) minute, or until the judge releases the backing dog. When the backing dog is released by the judge, all game is fair for either dog.

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*Handler must initiate relocation by touch, whistle or command. Dog may not relocate on its own.

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 4.01  All participants shall wear a hat or vest of blaze orange and or safety green while in the field. This includes judges.
• 4.02  No birds shall be shot on the ground, except at the judge’s request.
• 4.04 No guns will be fired except over scored finds or with judge’s permission.
• 4.05 There shall be no running in the field.

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• Rules for Safety:

FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 5.01 No dog may be taken out of the field or put on a leash before the brace is finished, except by permission of judge. Handler violating this rule could be suspended from all recognized trials for a calendar year following a violation. If a dog is picked up in a brace, a bye dog shall be put in the field for the remainder of a brace.

*Time must be called until a replacement dog is put in the field. The second handler must hold their dog in the immediate area the handler was in when time was called. If a dog is picked up, it will receive a zero (0) on its scorecard. A dog out of judgment (out of bounds) for a period of then (10) minutes of any thirty minute brace shall be picked up and receive a zero (0) on his scorecard. A dog that is picked up and does not complete the full thirty (30) minutes of his brace shall receive a zero (0) on his scorecard.

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• Rules for Pickup:

FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 6.01  All scoring is stopped when brace time expires, except when Find rule 1.06 under Find applies. When a judge announces time is up for the brace, handlers shall put leads on their dogs and take the shortest route out of the bird field so that the next brace can start on time.
• 6.02  If a dog breaks loose from the gallery area and enters the bird field causing a nuisance to a working dog the trial should be stopped and the dog removed.

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• Rules for General:

FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 6.04  Gunner shall remain a reasonable distance behind the handler until point is called. There shall be no communication between gunner and handler after leaving the blind. 4/14 Handler shall stay at least fifteen (15) feet or more behind the pointing dog. After flushing and shooting, gunner shall return to judge or stay behind the handler until the retrieve is completed.

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 6.05 The use of training aids such as electronic devices, weighted collars, flushing whips, spiked collars, silent whistles, bells or voice (for the obvious purpose of stopping a dog for a creditable find or back) is prohibited. The use of the above training aids will result in disqualification from that recognized trial.
• Application: Some handlers desire to use a wide red collar in addition to their regular collar. Only one collar may be worn by a dog while running a brace. Judges will advise the handler to remove one of the collars; it will be their choice as to which one they want to remove. 7/95

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 6.06 The judges’ decisions are final on judgment calls. However, each judge is personally responsible to use good judgment in the application of these written rules and also those situations not covered by written rule. Rule application may be protested. The judges’ decisions must be respected and followed by each trial participant.

*Harassment in the form of threats or verbal abuse (cussing) of a judge or field marshal or the disregard of judges’ decisions may result in immediate disqualification from the trial and/or association. At the time of disqualification, the offending handler, or dogs entered under that handler, will not be allowed to participate on that field for the remainder of that day. At such a time, any and all placements handled or owned by the offending handler, on that field, will be forfeited. 4/14

*Whenever possible, judges should judge dog #1 for half of the brace (or as close this as he can) - then judge dog #2 for the balance of the brace.

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FIELD TRIAL RULES

• 6.07 For a trial to be recognized (trial placements recorded), the field marshal must be a member in good standing with current certification by NSTRA. All judges must be members in good standing with current certification for the type of trial held. All bird planters must be NSTRA members. Placements will not be recorded for a trial not meeting all these requirements. NSTRA reserves the right to revoke any judge’s trial card at any time.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

The purpose of a training conference is to enable each of you, as a judge or prospective judge, to gain a better understanding of the rules and their application as they cover some of the many instances that occur while judging, some will be covered in our rule book, and some will not. The guidelines presented in this document are not the opinion of one person or one committee, but the result of many hours of discussion amongst many seasoned judges.

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• Purpose:

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Judging with the number system is probably the most difficult method of judging bird dogs, although we feel that it is by far the fairest method of determining a winner on any given day. Therefore, when you take a judging assignment, it is important that you give each dog and handler your complete attention for the length of time you are judging them. As a judge, you must give each handler the respect due them; you have absolute control and power in your hands for a limited time. It is your duty to be honest, conscientious and courteous to the participants under judgment in each brace, and your attention at all times must be focused on this dog/handler team.
• We cannot stress strongly enough the need to use your common sense in the judgment of a bird dog. No person can stand before you and tell you precisely what number to put on each piece of work. You will be given the general guidelines to work from, and will apply them to the very best of your ability. Consistency in your opinion and interpretation of the rules is an absolute necessity if you are to be a competent qualified NSTRA judge. We realize that all will not completely agree with our feelings on the scoring application, but we do expect you to judge with these in mind.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Remember, as a judge you are not in the field to hurt the dog or handler with regard to score. When pertinent questions are asked, particularly by those who may be running for the first time, be considerate enough to give a response. You need not give an elaborate explanation, but common courtesy should prevail. You are not there to help them increase their score by providing information regarding the location of the birds, but when a piece of work is not scored, or a questionable situation arises, a brief explanation will do wonders toward insuring the success of NSTRA trials.
• To bring prestige to NSTRA as a qualified bird dog association, we must strive for top quality dog work, while not reaching the limits of professionalism. We feel if there is no difficulty factor in training a dog and placing him in a trial, we will never be looked upon as a top-flight field trial association. Dogs that do sloppy work, and without class, will be scored accordingly.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Please remember our scoring is from 0-75 (or 100). We intend for you, as judges, to use the full range of numbers allowed. If a dog is deserving of a 50, use this figure to judge him. If he is deserving of a 95, then use this number. The entire range is for you to use.

• We hope you will enjoy your training conference and that it will be helpful to you in understanding the rules as set forth in our rule book. We are all members of NSTRA for one reason to improve the sport of field trialing with consistent and fair judgment of our dogs. We also expect that applying the information from this seminar will result in consistent and fair judgment of our dogs.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

1. Must be a member of NSTRA for six (6) months.
2. Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
3. Must attend a Judge’s Conference and earn at least an 90% score on the written Judge’s Test.

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• New Judges:

JUDGING GUIDELINES

4. Must serve as an apprentice, with an experienced judge, for a minimum of eight (8) braces. The apprentice shall be issued a scorecard for each brace he will judge (with experienced judges) and shall be responsible for submitting said card, initialed by the experienced judge, to the Region President. When a minimum of eight cards have been submitted, with satisfactory acceptance by the experienced judge, the Region President shall submit a Verification Form to the NSTRA office, which shall issue a judge’s card at that time.
5. Application for a new Judge’s Card shall be completed within six (6) months from the date of attendance at the first Judging Conference (to include apprenticeship).
6. Judge’s card shall be issued for a three-year period from the date of the attended judging seminar.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

1. Judges should actively judge six (6) trials in a three-year period.
2. A judge will be notified three (3) months in advance of the date of expiration date of their card. A judge must attend a Judge’s Conference and earn at least an 90% score on the written judge’s test approximately three (3) years after their initial certification. Their card will be updated for a three-year period from the date of conference attendance (upon receipt by the NSTRA office of the Verification Form from the Region President).

*Judges who are designated, as instructors will automatically be considered to hold tenure certifications provided they conduct a judging conference at least once in a three-year period.

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• Judges Maintenance:

JUDGING GUIDELINES

3. Should a Judge knowingly serve as a trial judge after expiration of their card, they will be subject to disciplinary action.
4.  Should a judging card expire, the individual must attend a Judging Conference and earn at least an 90% score on the written test to be reinstated as a Certified Judge (no apprentice braces required).
5. Should a judge’s membership dues lapse, upon receipt of annual membership dues payment; the individual will be reinstated provided they had attended a Judge’s Conference within a three-year period (no apprentice braces required).

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

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1. A Judging Committee consisting of the national officers and other members assigned and as required, with a National Officer as Chairman, shall be responsible for certification of new judges and conferences for existing judges (said certification for both may be done at the same conference).

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• General Information:

JUDGING GUIDELINES

3. Judging instructors are those members appointed by the chairman who are responsible for conducting judging conferences using the guidelines provided by NSTRA. These representatives shall be responsible to the Chairman, who shall report to the elected officers.
1. Judging instructors are not assigned by a region quota rather they are assigned to fulfill the needs in a particular geographical area of NSTRA.
2. Region Presidents may request that a particular member be considered as a judging instructor.
3. A qualified NSTRA judging instructor may go to any area to conduct a judging conference as requested by a region president.
4. The President of the region hosting a judging conference or other region officer as designated by the region president will attend all judging conferences to assist the judging instructor.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

4. Regional Elimination Trial Judges shall be those best qualified.
5. Championship Trial Judges shall be those best qualified and will be selected by the elected officers.
6. The Region Presidents shall be responsible for completion of the Verification Form with regard to conferences held within their region and the submission thereof to the NSTRA office.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

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• The Find (0-100):

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Looking for
• We are looking for the dog to work the scent intelligently, aggressively, but carefully, point the bird with style and intensity yet without endangering a flush.
• The find consists of two parts: the first is the scent contact and the second is the point.
• You want to see when a dog contacts scent further out it can intelligently work the scent and stop within a reasonable distance of the bird.
• Significant score enhancement should occur if the dog hits scent 30 feet or more and works the scent intelligently and points at a reasonable distance to the bird. For this enhancement the judge should carefully monitor the conditions for the scent cone; long, short, or cross wind in considering intelligent work by the dog to point of the bird.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Looking for how the dog handles the scent once he comes in contact with it
• The dog comes in, plus or minus five feet, pins the scent and spins to a stop.
• The point is, whether the dog stops within five feet, seven feet or eight feet, it is a good piece of work. However, in your mind, you want to see the dog point where you consider it to be a reasonable distance away from the bird, not endangering a flush.
• A Judge should always monitor the scent conditions, and wind direction in respect to the initial scent contact made by the dog. Understanding the scent cone in a find can enhance or deduct the relative score of the dog with respect to the reasonable distance to the bird on point being established.

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• Scent Contact:

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• How to score with variables
• How close the dog stops to the bird depends on the scenting conditions. Likewise, some dogs may point any scent they pick up, not always giving a good location of the bird. Scoring starts upon scent contact by the dog. Score enhancement should be considered if dogs points immediately on scent contact regardless the distance.

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• Eyes on the dog
• If you don’t have your eyes on the dog when he actually made his scent contact, you have lost part of your judging of the find. That is why it is critical for a judge to stay in view of the dog at all times. You don’t necessarily have to push him out of the field; you have to get to the vantage points in the field.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Head position, distance
• If the dog has to pick up scent on the ground, chances are his head will be a little bit lower than when he points on a nice day when the scent is coming across in the wind. Head position, sometimes (even though it may be a little lower than other times) might not always be a detriment on how you score the dog. Whether the dog is trailing or winding the bird he still should stop a reasonable distance from the bird. Don’t try to pin down reasonable distance because, again, that depends on the scenting conditions for the day.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Roading
• Roading up on a bird is a term we have used to define when the dog advances past where you feel he should stop and point without endangering the bird to flush.
• It can also happen if he makes full scent contact, establishes point, and then moves up on the bird. You could call this creeping or roading.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Summarizing of Scent Contact
• Your eyes are always on the dog.
• The scoring of the dog begins not when the handler calls point, but when the dog makes scent contact.
• Roading of the bird is a dog advancing past where you feel the dog should have pointed.
• From the scent contact to the point will vary upon the scenting conditions, whether the dog is winding the bird or trailing it.
• The score should be affected positively if you have a dog that hit the scent 30 feet out, move in aggressively and points a reasonable distance from the bird. One that plods up the scent trail, even though he stops at a reasonable distance, should be scored lower.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Common infraction during a Find BEFORE the point is established
• The dog will smell the bird and not lock down into a point. He will instead turn into the scent cone and approach towards the bird and then point. Often times a judge will see this in a cross wind situation where the dog runs into and out of/ through the scent cone, makes the bird, and then turns and comes back into the cone, instead of pointing. This infraction setting up the find.

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• Standardized Deduction:

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• When judging keep in mind, scoring starts when scent contact is made. The way the dog happens upon the scent cone has allot of effect on how the find/point unfolds, not every find is conducive to producing a great find or score nor may it be conducive to a deduction either. The judge needs to pay close attention to the details prior to the dog going on point.
• Be careful not to confuse this situation with a find that takes place when the dog comes into the scent cone from straight down wind and has a good distance between it and the bird. These types of finds generally won’t get the dog to slam on point, more often just coming to a gentle stop, due to coming into the scent cone from the far end.
• Realizing there can be different variations and severities of this infraction, a 5-10 point deduction is applied

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Look for: high head, high tail (10:00-2:00), intensity
• Not all points will look the same because of the way the dog was traveling when he pointed the bird. Only cut him on his style when he is standing loose, lost intensity or head drops.

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• The Point:

• Cut score for reasonable actions
• A loose rump, flagging during point and flush, shows lack of intensity and should be downgraded severely. However, if conditions of the tracking left effects on the point or the dog has a low tail set be cautious with deductions.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Creeping, walking and steps
• Creeping is defined as an advancement with intent to flush the bird or get closer after point has been established, with no reason. In other words, a dog that is creeping, whether it’s ten feet back or two feet, should be cut hard, especially if the handler has to whoa the dog in order to stop him from creeping; or dog has established a pointing posture and isn’t happy with it: he has good location on the bird and he creeps.

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• Creeping should result in more of a deduction than stepping. Creeping is portrayed when an unbroken dog has pinpointed the bird and gets greedy. Stepping should result in a smaller cut from the score because stepping happens when the dog loses balance or the bird relocates.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Lying down
• Lying down is generally penalized severely.
• Two examples of lying down:
• When a dog points a bird and his feet come out from under him and he just jammed it and froze on his belly.
• When the closer they get to the bird, the lower they get on their belly and the next thing you know, they are down. In this case the find should be scored down significantly.

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• Head movement
• The amount of movement should reflect the cut from the score. A slight movement when the handler or judge approaches the dog with all other intensity secure should only result in a small cut. Continuous movement should be a severe downgrade.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Lack of intensity
• Can be seen in young, unbroken dogs, old dogs that are bored, confused dogs and many other situations. All should be down scored severely.

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• Steadiness or intensity
• No movement always deserves the highest score. When compared to a dog that stands loose, the scores shouldn’t compare.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Flush anticipation
• Many dogs will crouch in anticipation of the flush. A dog should be cut slightly if he has a nice point and when the handler goes to flush, he crouches a little bit. That’s a slight score deduction.

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• Interference
• If the other dog comes in and steals his point and your dog stands there, doing a good job, you might consider an upgrade. Other factors such as long and difficult flushes may be an upgrade, as well as walking birds and many other situations.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Common infraction during a Find AFTER the Point
• Steps; a step is interpreted as single movement that advances the dog towards the bird.
• A deduction of 2 points per step is applied. (Ex: 4 steps equals an 8 point deduction.)

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• Standardized Deduction:

• Self-Relocation; self-relocating is defined as a rapid series of steps, hooking, swinging, circling or going back into a hunting mode towards the bird. This can occur before or after the handler gets to the dog. If the judge feels that the bird has run away from the dog and the dog has lost scent, a scent relocation is still a deduction, but is not severe as a dog that relocates for no apparent reason
• A deduction of 10 points each occurrence is applied.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Self-relocation is not to be confused with a commanded relocation. When a handler gives a voice command or taps the dog to relocate it from standing on point to advance it towards the bird to re-point it. If the dog handles the command properly by moving into the scent cone and going back on point so the flush can resume, the dog should see some kind of an addition to his find.
• An addition of 1-4 points is applied.

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• Where a judge needs to start considering a reduction on the commanded relocation is when, given the command to relocate, the dog leaves the area, does not move up the scent cone, advances and lays down, etc.
• A bird that flushes during the relocation, self or commanded, results in no Find awarded.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

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• Flagging; the definition of flagging is pretty self-explanatory. In order to simplify and standardize the deduction we will break flagging up into 3 severities: Minor, Moderate, and Major.
• Minor: a dog that goes on point and ticks or flags for just a couple seconds and then assumes a staunch point
• 3-5 point deduction is applied.
• Moderate: a dog that goes on point and flags until the handler gets in the area of the find, view of the dog, gives the dog a whoa command, or various other signals.
• 6-9 point deduction is applied.
• Major: a dog that goes on point and flags all the way through the piece of work.
• 10-15 point deduction is applied.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Laying down on the point or the flush; the definition is a dog that is on his belly. This infraction can happen a few different ways.
• At times a dog will only go down when the handler goes in to flush or is in an extended flush. This will be on the lesser end of the deduction.
• 15 point deduction is on the lesser end.
• 50 Point deduction on the greater end.
• Other times the dog will go down as soon as it points or in addition to roading, and self-relocating. This will be on the greater end of a deduction.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Low in the front: a pointing dog that is down in the front to the point where the elbows are close to, or touching the ground.
• 20 point deduction.

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*This deduction is not to be confused with a dog that running along, winds a bird and makes every effort it can to stop and comes to rest on its belly; that would not be a deduction.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

Dog is lying down on point. Handler picks dog up and styles dog up. What do you do and/or say?

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• The Find– What if’s:

*Score the dog, but very low, and advise handler not to do it again because next time, you will not score the find and he will be required to remove the bird for no score

JUDGING GUIDELINES

A dog is on point and the handler cannot locate the bird. The handler asks the judge for permission to relocate the dog. Do you lower the pointing dogs score because it was relocated (penalize the dog)?

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*There are several factors that the judge should consider before penalizing the dog. We identify good game location as one of the positive factors to be considered when scoring a find. If a dog is so over trained that it stops on point several yards from the bird and the handler has to relocate the dog so that it will move closer to the bird to give better location the judge should view that relocation negatively.

If however a dog points a bird within what the judge considers a reasonable distance that should give the handler good location on the bird but yet the handler cannot find the bird because of factors such as heavy cover, poor scenting conditions, rain, or just simply cannot find the bird. In this case the dog did its job and therefore should not be penalized. In fact, if the dog handles the relocation well, an upgrade in score may be appropriate.

Note: Relocation is a continuation of a piece of work. Scoring does not stop and start with each relocation.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

Dog A is hunting in front of Dog B. Dog A goes on a point ahead of Dog B. Both dogs are on point and Dog B did not have opportunity to back (no backing score)

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Handler of Dog A attempts to flush unseen bird. Judge has told handler of Dog B to hold his dog. Dog A handler continues to attempt to flush unsuccessfully. Handler A tells judge he wishes to relocate, which he does. Dog A runs around in general area and points. (All this time, handler of Dog B is holding his dog.) Handler A is still unable to produce bird. Handler A asks to relocate again, which he does. (This could – but should not – go on for the entire brace.)

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*DO NOT ALLOW TO GO ON FOR ENTIRE BRACE; HANDLE AS FOLLOWS:*

JUDGING GUIDELINES

*A. Require handler of dog B to hold their Dog for up to three (3) minutes. Require handler of dog A to relocate after two (2) minutes unless the dog was relocated before two minutes were up. After one (1) additional minute, if Dog A is still on point, give Handler B the option to leave the area or continue to hold his dog.

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*B. If Dog A relocates on his own at anytime and/or Dog A is moving when the time on dog B is up, turn it dog B loose: open bird for either dog.

*C. If Handler B leads Dog B off 50 yards or a reasonable distance, releases him and Dog B immediately returns to situation area and: Dog A is relocating and Dog B goes on point, the find belongs to dog B. Dog A is on point and Dog B backs score dog B for the back.

*D. Let’s assume that Dog A is pointing and there is no Dog B around, it can be relocated for the entire brace on the same bird. If dog A is relocating and Dog B shows up and points the bird while Dog A is still relocating, it is Dog B’s bird.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

Situation 1: Dog A makes scent contact and is working a bird when dog B comes into the area and begins working the same bird and steadies up on point before dog A. A few seconds later dog A establishes point. The handler of dog A says that their dog made scent contact first therefore the find belongs to them. The handler of dog B says that their dog established point first therefore the find should be scored in their favor. Who’s find is it?

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• Who finds it?

JUDGING GUIDELINES

The key here is whether or not Dog B actually began working the same bird. If Dog B has indeed made scent contact, the find belongs to the dog B because it established point first. It is true that the scoring of a find begins with scent contact but as we note in our judging guidelines there are two parts to a find, which are scent contact and the point. A dog that completes both parts is scored for a find after a bird is produced. In the example above dog B completed both parts before dog A. If the judge feels that Dog B was not in a position to make scent contact, then it has not completed both parts of the find, the find belongs to Dog A, even though Dog B stopped first.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

Situation 2: Dogs A and B are working the same scent and dog A establishes point just ahead of dog B. After three seconds dog A breaks point and leaves the area. The handlers have not yet arrived in the area and no flush has occurred. Who’s find is it?

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

A dog may not relocate on its own. Dog B remained on established point and is therefore credited with the find.

*A dog that takes steps should not be confused with one that has relocated. A relocation is when a dog breaks point and goes into a hunting mode.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

Situation 3: Dog A points. Dog B sees him, comes into the area and moves ahead of him and points. Dog A leaves the find (breaks point). Who’s find is it?

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

Neither dog receives credit for the find. Take the bird out and credit no find. Dog B will also receive zero (0) on back.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• The process of flushing the bird
• Must be accomplished by the handler, using their foot to stir the bird from the brush. The bird may also flush on its own, during which rule #3 under NSTRA rule book will apply.
• Throwing of any objects (golf ball, shot-gun shell, hat, etc.), or prodding with the barrel of the gun to induce the flush will not be permitted.

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• The Flush:

• The dog during the flush
• The pointing dog must not be moving their feet (i.e. in motion) when the flush occurs.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Unfavorable conditions
• Under the circumstances of rain or the birds having difficulty flying an aggressive attempt to flush the bird must be made. After the attempt, the judge should instruct the handler to throw the bird for a scored retrieve.

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• Our judging techniques #10 tell us that “when the handler is having difficulty in locating the pointed bird and you see the bird, tell the handler. The dog has already proved he found a bird and you are not judging the handler”. Keep the trial moving.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

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• Retrieves (0-100):

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Things to look for
• A dog that marks the game down well, aggressively runs to the downed bird, picks it up quickly with a tender mouth, and returns it to the handler aggressively, with pride and with a willing release. Speed during the dogs approach to the downed bird, picking up of the bird and the return with the bird are also main points.

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• Retrieves (0-100):

• The return
• Judge on the case of the dogs release. He ought to open his mouth and lay it right in the handler’s hand or hold it for the handler to take. If the dog starts turning it’s head away from the handler, or does not gently release the bird, a minus factor would be in order.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Potential variables
• Thickness and height of the cover could result in the dog trying to scent the bird after sight is lost.
• Example to consider: You have a point and the handler goes to flush the bird. Two birds come out. The handler shoots one bird and the dog takes off after the second bird. It’s obvious he is going to have to do something to get that dog back. Part of that is going to reflect in your obedience score; however, the handler has to do something, by voice command, by arm movement or throwing an object in the direction of the downed bird. This should be reflected as a blind retrieve.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Interferences with the retrieve
• The score should not be cut because of an interference call by any outside factor (another dog, horse, etc.)

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• Distance of retrieve
• An exceptional distance traveled by the dog should be taken into consideration when scoring as well (or exceptional water retrieve).

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• Effect on mouthing the bird
• The speed of the retrieve could also be affected by the thickness of cover that the dog has to break through to pick up the bird. Debris may be encounter in a retrieve and should be considered with difficult conditions as to the dogs hold on the retrieved bird to the handler.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

1. We are looking for a good, clean, fast trip to the bird, a quick pick up, and a good, straight, fast trip back to the handler’s hand. There are many infractions that can occur during a retrieve, but the most common one that we can apply a standard deduction to is a dropped bird.

• A dropped retrieve is a 10 point deduction applied on each occurrence

2. Slow delivery, hard mouthed, rolled, chewed, poor marking ability, re-pointed are also infractions that require deductions, but they happen in so many variations that it is tough to standardize them. One that can be addressed is a retrieve that is taken to the pond or water barrel.

• That retrieve score should be reduced to half of what the dog would have scored without going to the water source. Factors to consider when applying this deduction include was the bucket approximately in route to the handler or did the dog run 180 degrees away? Did the dog take a splash and get on with the retrieve, or did he lay around in the bucket for an extended period of time? All of these are deductions but would vary significantly with each situation.

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• Standard Deductions:

JUDGING GUIDELINES

Situation 1: Dog goes for a retrieve and starts back with bird and points another bird. Handler goes over to flush the second bird, kills bird, dog retrieves bird (or both at same time).

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Does he receive credit for both retrieves?

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• Retrieve What if’s:

Yes – handler receives an average for the first retrieve and a scored retrieve for the second.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

Situation 2: A dog is on established point. Gunner flushes two birds; shoots one dead, but the dog begins chasing un shot bird. The dog catches un shot bird and makes a nice retrieve. Do you score the retrieve?

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Yes. The dog did accomplish retrieve.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

Situation 3:  A crippled bird is pointed by the retrieving dog after the find has been scored. The bird is considered dead once it has been scored on.

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Score should be: Slash

JUDGING GUIDELINES

Situation 4: A bird won’t fly.

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Can it be thrown for a retrieve? After an adequate attempt to flush has been made the judge should insist that the handler throw bird for retrieve.

Can the handler kill the bird before throwing? No the judge cannot let the handler intentionally kill the bird.

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Note: When the judge gives permission or requires that a bird to be thrown for a scored retrieve, the judge is to advise the handler not to kill the bird. If the handler then still kills the bird and in the judges opinion the handler intentionally disregarded the judge’s direction the judge may withhold the retrieve score.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Birds that don’t flush or only fly a few feet
• Refer to your rule book where it states “birds that cannot fly may be thrown in the air to get credit for a retrieve”.
• A bird that moves only a few inches or feet at flush should be thrown for a scored retrieve. Birds that are intentionally flushed (kicked) towards the judge should be thrown for a scored retrieve.
• If in the opinion of the judge the bird has flown far enough for a scored retrieve but remained to low and close to the dog there should be an average awarded.

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• Retrieves – Average, Slash, Zero or Score?

JUDGING GUIDELINES

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• When to award slash or zero
• A dog that has no opportunity for the retrieve (dog did not see the bird dropped or another unusual situation occurs) should be awarded with a slash.

• If a dog completes the find but refuses to pick it up or fails to return it to the handler within 3 feet, a zero will be given. Do not confuse this with a dog that points a crippled (or missed) bird when a slash is awarded.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

Question: If a dog has one or more finds and all average retrieves . Does the judge give the handler a chance to throw a bird for a scored retrieve other than an average?

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• Average Retrieves:

Yes. The dog would receive score awarded for all retrieves.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

Question: It is a wet day and the birds cannot fly upon attempting to flush. The dog advances and picks up the bird. What retrieve score is awarded?

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• Wet Birds:

Answer: The dog will not receive an average retrieve. The judge should tell the handler to throw a bird for a scored retrieve.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

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• Backs (0-75):

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• When to start scoring the back
• Begin immediately when you know the backing dog has seen the pointing dog.
• You can judge a back without it being called.

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• Backs (0-75):

• What to look for
• A dog that spots a dog on point, backs immediately with good intensity, and is styled up.
• Immediate backing when he sees the pointing dog.
• As a judge, be sure that the backing dog has seen the pointing dog. Be aware if the dog is searching hard and no connection has been made to the pointing dog. It is usually advisable to consult with the other judge in this situation, who may have a better perspective on your dogs line of vision.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Breaking of the point in relation to the back
• The dog should be scored a zero when the dog has recognized the pointing dog, started the back and holds it for a second or two, then breaks - going in to take the bird out or leaves the area.
• If the judge is out of sight of the handler when the dog backs, then the pointing dog breaks point, the judge could score the dog. You do have the right, as a judge, to score a back when you know he has started a back and gives you a starting place to score on.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Example of scoring a back:
• The dog comes in and backs. About the time he has been there five seconds, suddenly he turns around and starts to leave. His handler may be back about 15 feet and he stops here. In this case, you have no back. The score is a zero. The reason he stopped the second time was when he saw the handler, he knew he had made a mistake.
• You start cutting the dog when he lacks intensity, flags, lays down, has a low tail or head, looks around, breaks and relocates, creeps or roads the back.
• There are degrees of severity in each of the negative factors associated with the downgrade of your scoring, and you must strive to understand them in order to give a fair score.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Slight movements, distance
• If a dog were to slightly move his head because of a handler approaching, this should not result in a severe deduction of points. If the head movement were to progress, the score should reflect how loose the dog gets
• Distance doesn’t serve as important of a role as speed in the scoring of a back. A dog that backs immediately at 50 ft out should be scored the same as a dog that backs immediately at15 ft. out.
• Exception: If a dog begins to take steps after the back. At 50ft out, not as large of deduction should be taken (could be adjusting to a better view) as steps taken by a dog that is 15ft. away.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Situation backs
• If a dog appears to be backing his brace mate but after a closer look shows to be backing an inanimate object, the dog should be given an opportunity to score another back.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

Situation 1: Dog A points a marked bird before it is opened and is instructed to take the bird out for no score. Dog B backs. Handler of Dog A attempts to flush, but cannot locate the bird. Three minutes are now up. Dog A breaks point without being relocated by his handler. Dog B is released by his handler and moves in and points the bird.

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• Backing What if’s:

JUDGING GUIDELINES

Does B score back – Yes

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Does B score find –

No (bird was declared dead when Dog A pointed the marked bird)

(Note: Don’t overlook possibility of two birds in the area)

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

Situation 2: Dog A points. Dog B sees him, comes to the area and moves ahead of him and points. Dog A leaves the find (breaks point).

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Take bird out and credit no find; also zero (0) on back

JUDGING GUIDELINES

Situation 3: Dog on point. Handler cannot flush bird in two minutes. Handler is holding backing dog. Handler of pointing dog relocates after one minute – cannot flush bird, but pointing dog does not move. Backing dog is released and points bird in front of pointing dog (which has not moved at all). Does backing dog get find?

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No not if pointing dog does not move

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Situation 4: Handler whoas dog so his brace mate can get a back. Does he receive credit for back?

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No.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

Situation 5: Dog appears to back brace mate. After pointing dog’s bird is flushed, backing dog is released, steps forward three or four feet and goes on point. Does he receive credit for back?

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No – dog was pointing bird

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Situation 6: Dog is running in trial with side by side fields. He backs dog in adjoining field. Does he receive credit for the back?

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No – all scored work must take place between the two dogs in competition with each other in their field.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

Situation 7: Dog points. Bracemate backs. Pointing dog breaks point and goes on immediately.

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Does he receive credit for a back? Yes

How long must he back before receiving credit? Long enough for the judge to consider that a back was established.

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*Dog A points. Dog B backs. When does time start on the backing dog?

Time starts on backing dog WHEN IT BACKS.

*What if Handler A is not to Dog A within two (2) minutes to attempt a flush and/or relocate?

When the handler of dog A arrives they will be given an opportunity to flush the pointed bird before being required to relocate their dog. The judge should exercise good judgment regarding the amount of time the handler of dog A is given to attempt to flush the bird.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

Situation 8: A dog is in the process of making a retrieve and spots its brace mate on point. The dog backs its brace mate before completing the retrieve.

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Allow the handler of the backing dog to advance and hold their dog and score the retrieve by awarding an average.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

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• Obedience (0-75):

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• What to look for
• The way that the dog responds to the handler. This is looked at during initial calls, and when whoa is commanded by handler.
• When interacting with another dog, or distractions in the field, the dog should receive top scores if responds to the handler immediately after each call.

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• You need to weigh how bad is the bad and how good is the good in each incident and to balance out what kind of score you put down. If he responded well 80 percent of the time, you should not cut his obedience score in half.

• Over-handling should not be penalized. Only penalization should result if the dog does not respond to the handlers commands.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• A handler may get ahold of the dogs collar to correct him. It should result in a small deduction, however this is a better correction than having a disrupted brace.

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• Correction
• No tolerance for any abusive handling of the dog. If this situation were to happen, the handler would be asked to leave the field trial and receive a score of zero for obedience.

• If the handler cannot keep quiet, you may cut the obedience score for the dog not responding. At this point, remind the handler he needs to be quiet.

• According to the severity of a distraction, the dog should not be penalized for fighting natural instinct, such as, chasing a bird. However a dog that does respond to commands in these situations deserves an upgrade in the score.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

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Dog fails to back, fails to ‘whoa’ while on point or backing, continually chases brace mate, chases nongame birds, and steals point and takes bird out, in excess of 10 minutes of brace time.

10 point deduction

Judge should consider the amount of distracted time being displayed by the dog prior to application in deduction.

The Judge should enforce these instances of rogue action as independent examples and consideration for DQ should exist in the dogs context for each behavior.

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• Standard Deductions:

JUDGING GUIDELINES

4. Fails to check in with the handler during the brace, hunts independently, out of bounds

10 Point Deduction points if handler can gain control of dog if handler cannot gain control for 25%-75% of brace.

25 Point Deduction if the handler cannot gain control for 75% to 100% of the brace.

Example #1. Dog makes his cast to opposite side of the field running boundary line handler calls for dog with no response. If within 30 seconds to 1 minute dog does return to proximity of handler 10 point deduction.

Example #2. Dog makes large cast and handler calls for dog, and dog moves further away from handler and never responds to handler the entire brace 25 point deduction.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

5. Fails to Fetch / Retrieve to Handler.

10 Point Deduction if handler commands fetch and dog stands over bird and/or chews and rolls bird as handler continues to command fetch.

10 point deduction for excessive stall on pick up of bird to handler.

10 point deduction if dog refuses to give bird to handler by pulling head back and/or continually circles handler with bird when completing the retrieve.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

Situation 1: A dog is out of bounds. Should you allow the handler to shoot his gun in order to bring the dog in?

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• Obedience What if’s:

No. You would be allowing the handler to use a training aid

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

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• Ground Coverage (0-100):

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• What to look for
• A dog that aggressively covers the ground and does not leave too many holes in his pattern - a fast, snappy dog.
• Looking for little style, more focused on snappy pattern.
• Some do a little trailing; some do it strictly by wind. Take these things into consideration when scoring this category.

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• Ground Coverage (0-100):

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Is the dog hunting or running?
• If the dog has many breaks in his pattern (returning to the handler, relieving himself, fiddling, etc.) it should result in a deduction.
• Look for the dog to check bird scent. A dog that is just out running, will never turn back.
• A dog that is hunting should maintain a steady gait through the brace and stay busy for the full 30 min.

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• Negative factors
• When releasing two dogs and one continuously harasses the other. This dog is not hunting.
• Line running (running a line with no particular objective)

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Non-competitive dogs
• After 10 minutes of one dog “boot licking” or playfully following its partner around the field, it will be replaced with a stand-by dog.

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• If a dog is withheld from the brace for a period of 10 minutes, it will be replaced by a stand-by dog as well. Example: a dog that is held in one part of the field by its handler therefore “giving the field” to the other handler.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• A dog pottering around ground scent throughout the brace and not effectively working the field, stopping repeatedly for various scent reasons other than a bird find shall have the dogs ground score result in the following deduction:

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• 10 point deduction if pottering exceeds 10 minutes of brace in judgement.

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A judge should monitor carefully the competitive nature of the dog during the brace and if it would exceed the 15 minute mark of brace a determination should be made to replace the dog as non competitive.

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• Standard Deductions:

JUDGING GUIDELINES

Dogs running the field without hunting (i.e. head running) shall be deducted the following:

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• If after 15 minutes within the brace, the dog has continued to head race, a 15 point deduction will be assessed.

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*Judge should carefully monitor the dogs pace in relation to the ground the dog is covering, birds being scored by brace mate and repeated areas covered in the brace by the dog.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• A dog repeatedly running out of bounds. *Reminder: A dog out of bounds for an excess of 10 minutes is automatically picked up and a bye dog is placed on the field.

For every one minute out of bounds the dog will be deducted 5 points up to the disqualification limit of 10 minutes and a bye dog called for to finish the brace.

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• A dog with no enthusiasm, slow pace, continually returns to the handler, circling the handler repeatedly.
• 15 point deduction will be applied if this action has remained consistent for 15 minutes of the brace.
• If after 15 minutes this has been the consistent behavior of the dog in the brace it should be disqualified as noncompetitive and a bye dog called to finish the brace.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• A dog that does not covering the field thoroughly.

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10 point deduction if the dog repeatedly hunts the same area, runs straight lines, and does not cover the entire field within the brace time.

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• A dog that false points.

10 point deduction if noted as a consistent pattern in excess of five times in period of judgement.

JUDGING GUIDELINES

1. Bird out of bounds is flushed in bounds by dog or handler How do you handle it:

Dead for the brace – take the bird out if possible

2. Is any bird a judge sees fly into the bird field, from out of bounds, it can be scored if he came into the field on his own?

*Yes – provided that he was not flushed into the field from an adjacent field trial. Mark for three (3) minutes if no adjacent bird field is being used.

3. Gunner calls safety after firing two shots. He is using and over/under. Safety?

*No safety – if gun is empty. However, if the handler has reloaded his gun and the bird flies back by him, a safety could be called.

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• General What if’s:

JUDGING GUIDELINES

4. Handler sees bird walking out of bounds, and the handler walks it back in bounds.

*Disallowed and judge should tell handler/gunner to take bird out for no credit.

5. A dog breaks loose from the gallery, enters the bird field causing a nuisance to a working dog. What do you do?

*Stop the trial and remove the dog

6. What do you do if you see a bird on the ground and assume the handler has also seen it?

*Pass by and say nothing

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Why marked birds?
• The NSTRA rules are written for a fair and equal possibilities for all participants.
• When a bird takes flight in the field of competition for any reason, other than when it takes flight as the result of a scored find, it is marked for three minutes.
• Both handlers are notified about the marking and the birds general location.
• When three minutes are up, both handlers are notified that the bird is open for competition.

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• General:

JUDGING GUIDELINES

• If a bird were to enter the field on its own, the judge will mark this bird, and notify both handlers of the general location after three minutes have passed.
• Birds that have been scored on are marked dead for the remainder of the brace and should be taken out if convenient. The judge should mark the area in which the scored on bird sat down.
• If the dog points this marked area, the handler will be asked to flush and kill the bird.
• If a second bird were to be pointed and produced in the same area by either dog, it should be scored.
• After the brace time has expired NO birds are to be intentionally removed whether marked during the brace or not.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Exception to marked bird rule
• A bird takes flight on its own after it has been pointed as a scored find by one of the two dogs in a brace; in this case, the bird becomes a scored bird and is dead for the brace. (Provided of course the bird is not retrieved and stays in bounds.)

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

• Walking Birds
• NSTRA judges know that if they see a walking bird in the field they are to pass by and say nothing. Even if the bird is seen in close proximity to the gallery area.
• If a bird were to walk out of the gallery area and forced back in by into the field, the bird will be marked dead for the brace and taken out. This interference would not be tolerated and is subject to disciplinary actions.

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• Collars
• Some handlers are using the wide red collar in addition to their regular collar. It has been ruled that only one collar can be worn while running the brace. Judges will advise the handler to remove one of the collars; it will be their choice as to which one they want to remove.

JUDGING TECHNIQUES

1. Have a current copy of the Rule Book with you while judging a trial.
2. At least one judge and/or the field marshal should observe the bird planter during planting.
3. You should be prepared to start judging the dogs when they leave the starting line, until they are picked up. When a brace becomes boring is when you get lax and problems occur.
4. It is always to your advantage to use two-way radios for judging purposes.
5. You should position yourself to be able to observe all dog work at all times. It does not require you to push the dogs, but you do need to be able to observe all dog work.
6. Each day and each brace is new: don’t get in the habit of remembering what a dog did yesterday.

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JUDGING TECHNIQUES

7. You should use the full range of the scoring system and not establish a standard figure.
8. You should always keep the handler informed if there is a question whether a piece of work was or was not scored.
9. When a handler is attempting to flush, position yourself where they will have the safer opportunity to shoot.
10. If the handler is having difficulty in locating the pointed bird and you see the bird (walking after it has left its resting place), tell the handler. The dog has already proved he found a bird and you’re not judging the handler.
11. When you have a handler that is objecting to the way you are judging their dog, just warn them to continue handling their dog.
12. Should a question arise during a brace, judges should confer with each other and attempt to settle any questionable situations before leaving the field, and before the next brace enters the field.

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JUDGING TECHNIQUES

13. You should refrain from carrying on a conversation with the handler; only respond to their questions.
14. Judges should switch as close to the halfway point of a brace as possible, but with at least ten (10) minutes left in the brace. You should never switch unless you have each dog in sight and never when scoreable work is occurring.
15. You should be aware of running in the bird field and be consistent in the enforcement of this rule.
16. The rule book states that a judge may hold the backing dog, at their discretion. If it will speed up the waiting, it will always be to your advantage to hold the backing dog.
17. You should always score your bird work when it occurs and not leave anything to memory.
18. You should be attentive and considerate of participants and dogs. Refrain from making negative remarks about the handlers dog other than those necessary to explain a low score.
19. When serving as a judge, keep in mind you’re the NSTRA representative and your actions will reflect on the image of NSTRA.

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JUDGING TECHNIQUES

• Perceptions
• Ensuring that we judge each dog during each brace for as close to fifteen minutes as possible will most certainly help to avoid any perception of favoritism.
• No selection of which dog they judge at the beginning of the brace will be done by the judge, only the field marshal.
• Field marshals should be alert for dogs, which belong to family members of the judges, dogs that come from kennels operated by judges, etc.
• Dogs such as the aforementioned should be assigned to the other judge for the first part of the brace.
• Judges should advise the field marshal of any assignment given them that may place them in a conflicting situation.

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HORSEBACK JUDGING TECHNIQUES

1. Before the trial starts an effort should be made to ride your horse around the field so that it will have an opportunity to become familiar with you being on its back.
2. During the trial present water to your horse at frequent intervals.
3. Make your horse understand that you are in charge.
4. Remember that your horse will be working for several hours. Run it sparingly.

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HORSEBACK JUDGING TECHNIQUES

5. Keep dog in sight but stay with handler as much as possible.
6. Stay far enough from handler so that if horse spooks or kicks handler will not get injured.
7. If you are dismounting to hold a backing dog be sure to keep hold of the reins or have knowledge that the horse will ground tie.
8. Do your best to keep dogs in sight but refrain from charging off of the line like the “Lone Ranger” as much as possible. If Dog is all over the field move horse from vantage point to vantage point to keep dog in sight until handler catches up to dog.

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ATV JUDGING TECHNIQUES

1. A judge can see more from an ATV if much of their time is spent standing on the foot pegs rather than sitting down.
2. Stay close enough to the dog so that it can be seen when making scent contact but yet far enough away so that the engine noise does not keep the dog from hearing its handler.
3. When the dog is on point stop the ATV a reasonable distance from the piece of work, turn the engine off and walk into the area to complete judging the find and retrieve.
4. Make every effort to keep your ATV in the pre-tracked areas of the field to preserve the cover as much as possible.
5. When dog is in sight, stay in one spot with engine off. Restart engine and relocate to other vantage point as necessary then turn engine off again. Keep engine off as much as possible to eliminate noise so you and handler can hear.

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ATV JUDGING TECHNIQUES

6. Do not allow handlers to ride on ATV during brace.
7. Do not idle along behind handler as you would on a horse. Engine noise is a problem.
8. Some handlers train off of ATV’s. Be aware or watch for a dog that is handling in front of your ATV instead of his handler. If you observe this stay as close to handler as possible.
9. Care must be taken not to “push” a dog while following. You may run the dog right out of the field.
10. Do not follow a dog out of bounds with the ATV. Stop at the boundary line at a point where the dog can be seen if it re-enters the field. Shut the ATV engine off. ATV engine noise may interfere with a handler’s ability to call his dog back into the field.

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HANDLING FROM AN ATV

1. An ATV may only be used if its use is not in violation of any state or federal laws pertaining to land use.
2. The use of an ATV shall not, in any way, create an advantage to the handler.
3. The handler shall not stand on any part of the ATV, at any time, for any reason, while handling a dog.
4. The handler will be responsible for providing the ATV.
5. The ATV shall be operated in a safe manner at all times.
6. No ATV may be used that operates at a noise level above that of the original equipment muffler.

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HANDLING FROM AN A.T.V.

7. Any handler using an ATV shall be required to have a gunner who is on foot.

Exception: Those members who request permission to use an ATV may also request that they be granted permission to take the gun from the gunner and flush and shoot for themselves. The gunner may only give the gun to the handler after they are off the ATV.

Requirements: The handler must make a decision at the beginning of the brace as to whether they will shoot for themselves or not and notify the field marshal who will advise the judges. Once the handler makes the decision to shoot for himself or herself they must do so for the entire brace. The gunner then becomes a gun bearer and pacer for the ATV. The gunner may not discharge the gun for any reason. The gunner must remain at least 15 feet to the side or rear of the handicapped handlers ATV while the ATV is in motion and may only approach the handicapped handler when the handicapped handler’s dog has established point.

• At no time shall the speed of an ATV be faster than the gunner.
• There will be absolutely no talking or other communication between the handler and the gunner.

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HANDLING FROM AN ATV

10. The dog must retrieve to the handler who may remain on the ATV during the retrieve or leave the ATV to receive the bird from the dog and then hand it to the judge. The handler must remain within 5 feet of the ATV. The handler must immediately return to the ATV.
11. A handler must stay beside his bike unless he is involved in a find, retrieve, back or relocation.
12. The speed of the ATV engine (rpms) shall not in any way be used to create an attraction or distraction to either of the competing dogs. Engine speed shall at all times be kept to a minimum.
13. Should an ATV fail during a brace, the brace shall continue. The gunner shall take over the handling of the dog at such time as the handler notifies the judge that he cannot continue to handle the dog from the ATV. The handler shall remain seated on the ATV until the brace is completed, and must remain silent for the remainder of the brace and shall not in any way handle the dog. The handler shall not continue to attempt starting the ATV. The ATV shall be removed from the field upon completion of the brace.

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HANDLING FROM AN ATV

14. The dog that backs shall be held by the handler, in accordance with NSTRA rule Find: 11 and 12; Back: 1,2,3,4,5 and 6. rules 1.12, 1.13, and 3.01-3.04.
15. Should the handler fail to obey the instruction of the judge, the handler will be instructed by the judge to pick up his dog, and a standby dog will replace him in accordance with NSTRA rule: Pick-up, 5.01
16. If the handler creates an unsafe situation or uses the ATV to gain an unfair advantage in the field trial, the judges may suspend him/her from that trial or take other action not inconsistent with NSTRA rules. The judges shall have the right to determine, in their sole discretion, if the handler has created an unsafe situation or has used the ATV to gain an unfair advantage. The placements of a recognized field trial shall not be disturbed in the event of a protest to the National Board of Directors from the judges' decision. The only remedy shall be a refund of the entry fee, if the Board of Directors disagrees with the decision of the judges.
17. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to permanently revoke a handlers variance from the NSTRA walking policy when it has been determined that the handler has created an unsafe situation or uses the ATV in a manner to gain an unfair advantage in a recognized field trial.

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USE OF SPEED GOVERNORS /REGULATORS WHILE HANDLING FROM ATV

1. Handlers will be responsible for all costs associated with the acquisition and installation of a speed governor/regulator. NSTRA will not cover any expenses related to this.
2. Handlers have the option of using a governor/regulator or may continue to use a walker, if they so desire. If this is the case, all existing guidelines for the use of a walker will then remain valid.
3. The allowable speed by an ATV using these instruments shall not exceed four (4) miles per hour. The ATV must be in low gear.
4. Marshalls or trial chairman will check the device prior to the brace in which it is to be used to grant approval.
5. Guns, whether it is a single barrel, single shot, double barrel, over and under, side by side, or semiautomatic will be unloaded at all times while on the ATV. This means absolutely no ammunition in any of the chambers at any time. Handlers must load their guns for each find and fully unload them prior to getting back on the ATV.

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USE OF SPEED GOVERNORS /REGULATORS WHILE HANDLING FROM ATV

6. If a judge observes a gun being carried on an ATV not fully unloaded, handler will be asked to pick up his/her dog.
7. Guns will be carried in an approved gun rack in the front of the ATV, not on the handler’s hands or lap. In states where state regulations require that guns carried on an ATV be contained in a gun case, state regulations shall be observed, and will prevail. It is the responsibility of the handlers to be informed of the regulations of the state in which they are competing. It is recommended that regional officers be knowledgeable of their state’s regulations and make their members and other competitors aware.
8. A judge’s discretion regarding the speed of the ATV shall not be questioned. If a judge believes that an ATV is exceeding the allowable speed he/she will give one warning to the handler. The second warning will result in the handler being asked to pick up his/her dog. This is regardless of who approved, and when the device was approved for use. A judge’s decision is final.

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NSTRA FIELD MARSHAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Along with the judges, establish definite boundaries for the field trial.
2. Be responsible for enforcing trial rules and receiving complaints from participants.
3. Ensure that standby dogs are available when the need arises.
4. Ensure that the bird field has been cleaned prior to the start of the trial.
5. Ensure that dog owners or handlers running more than one dog do in fact run the dog drawn in the brace specified.
6. In the case of entry cancellations determine what option to use to fill the vacancy.
7. Ensure that the bird handler is prepared to release birds for each upcoming brace and that he or she has the correct number of birds for the specified brace.
8. Ensure that the bird handler is wearing gloves at all times when birds are being handled. (p. 31, #12)
9. Ensure that dog handlers and gunners are behind a blind prior to birds being released for their brace.
10. Check all vests before handler/gunner leave the blind.

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NSTRA FIELD MARSHAL RESPONSIBILITIES

CONTINUED…

11. While participants are in the blind, advise them of any special instructions regarding boundaries, safety shooting zones, running in the field, etc.
12. At least one judge and/or the field marshal should observe the bird handler releasing the birds. (Judging Techniques)
13. Ensure that all participants including judges are wearing blaze orange and or safety green prior to entering the bird field.
14. Ensure that no more than six people ( including judges) enter the bird field at one time.
15. During each brace be observant of the activities on the field and advise the judges of any activity taking place which they may not be able to see, such as a participant running in the field, helping the judge to locate a marked bird, location of lost dogs, etc.

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NSTRA FIELD MARSHAL RESPONSIBILITIES

CONTINUED…

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16. Collect all dead birds from the judges and ensure that they are disposed of properly.
17. Have all participants sign the official score card within twenty-five minutes after completion of their brace.
18. Unless under protest, post brace scores after participants have signed score cards or after twenty-five minutes has elapsed since completion of each brace, which ever occurs soonest.
19. If it is determined that a participant has consumed an alcoholic beverage prior to their brace, make a determination as to allowing the participant to have a gunner or that their dog will be scratched.

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NSTRA GUIDELINES

• Dog Handlers
• The handler designated at the time that a dog is drawn for a trial must be the one to handle the dog in the trial unless the field marshal, prior to the brace participants being placed in the blind, has approved a change.

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• Trial ground boundaries
• It is the responsibility of the field marshal and judges to establish definite boundaries within which a NSTRA sanctioned field trial is to be held. Reference: page 34; paragraph 28 of your rule book.

NSTRA GUIDELINES

• Field trial drawings
• Our NSTRA rules for recognized field trials provide that if a person enters more than one dog he or she will not be drawn to run subsequent braces. It goes without saying that the dogs entered by one person cannot be drawn in the same brace. Likewise a handler who is handling dogs for more than one person cannot be drawn to run in the same brace.

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NSTRA GUIDELINES

• Examples:
• A member has two dogs, A & B. He enters dog A in a trial Saturday and Sunday, single both days. After the trial has started on Saturday he tells the chairman that he wants to pull dog A and run dog B instead on Saturday but will still run dog A on Sunday. The chairman asks why and the owner says that there is no medical reason and would just rather run dog B instead of dog A. Is this allowed, to pull a dog at will provided that you have another dog in your name to replace and do not re-enter dog A in the same trial?

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• Pulling dogs after drawings:

NSTRA GUIDELINES

• Field trial drawings answer:
• Absolutely not. The NSTRA rulebook states “ Owners or handlers running more than one (1) dog must run the dog drawn in the brace specified. Any change due to sickness, will be at the discretion of the field marshal.”

*Any dog withdrawn from a trial shall not be re-entered in the same trial. However, the owner may substitute a replacement with another dog he owns, at the discretion of the field marshal.

*Even though the rule speaks to owners/handlers running multiple dogs, it is intended to apply to all dogs entered in a trial. It would be unfair to allow owners/handlers running only one dog to pull their dog from a trial for any reason while at the same time only allowing the owner/handlers of multiple entries to pull a dog only in instances of sickness.

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NSTRA GUIDELINES

• “Any change due to sickness, will be at the discretion of the field marshal.”
• The field marshal has control of the trial. When a owner/handler pulls a dog for sickness it is up to the field marshal to determine where the replacement dog is to come from, be it from the owner which has pulled the dog, from the paid standby list or use a non-scoreable bye dog. The field marshal has the option to allow the owner/handler to replace a dog that he has pulled from a trial due to sickness but is not required to do so.

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NSTRA GUIDELINES

• Brace Times
• NSTRA requires that all braces be completed in the field. Our rulebook requires that all brace times be thirty minutes duration. The only two exceptions are when a fifteen-minute run-off is conducted to settle a tie or the final one-hour braces conducted at Championship or Regional Elimination trials.
• In National Championship or Regional Elimination trials where more than one round of competition is held in one day it is important all dogs spend the same amount of time in competition.

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NSTRA GUIDELINES

• Bird Releasing
• We should all agree that releasing birds for our trials is a full time job and should be regarded as one more important than that of the judges, field marshal, trial chairman, etc. Our Trial Chairmen should ensure that they only engage bird handlers who have demonstrated the ability to perform the job effectively and safely.
• The idea is not to race around the field on their ATV not caring if the released birds stayed in the field or not. A pattern should not be established that might be followed by the handlers.
• The entire field should be used ensuring that the birds are released in different locations over the entire field for each brace and at the same time releasing birds on the boundary lines should be avoided. Releasing the birds in a straight line should be avoided at all times.

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CLARIFICATION OF NSTRA GUIDELINES

• A dog must be eligible to be registered or be registered with a recognized registry to receive placement in any NSTRA trial an/or Region Elimination or Dog of the Year Trial.
• Interpretation: There is no question pertaining to dogs that are already registered, only those that are eligible to be registered. For a dog to be eligible for registration means the owner has registration papers in hand.

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• Unregistered Dogs

CLARIFICATION OF NSTRA GUIDELINES

• NSTRA recognizes the UKC, AKC (American Kennel Club), FDSB (Field Dog Stud Book), and CKC (Canadian Kennel Club).
• Interpretation: The CKC was approved and added since the printing of this rule book. NSTRA only recognizes those breeds of pointing dogs that are recognized by the AMERICAN FIELD.

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• Owner having dog registration pending will be responsible for documenting all placements.
• When a dog places, NSTRA expects the owner to immediately complete the registration and furnish the National office with a registration number.

CLARIFICATION OF NSTRA GUIDELINES

• No placements will be recorded until the registration number is for warded to the National office (UKC, AKC, FDSB, or CKC).
• If NSTRA has not recorded a placement (which we will not until a registration number is received) the dog does not have a placement and is not qualified to participate in a Regional Elimination Trial.

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NSTRA is aware that some owners desire to run a certain dog to determine if they want to continue to trial this particular dog. NSTRA has no problem with this as long as this dog is eligible to be registered, keeping in mind that this means papers in hand.

When this dog places, NSTRA expects the dog to be immediately registered with a number submitted to the National office.

Until a registration number is received in the National office, then no placement is recognized by NSTRA. Remember, if no placements are recorded than the dog is not qualified for any Regional Elimination Trial.

HANDLER UNABLE TO COMPLETE BRACE

• The situation should be treated the same as a when a dog cannot complete a brace.
• A standby handler should be brought in to complete the brace. The standby handler may, with the owner’s permission, handle the existing dog in the field or may bring in a standby dog.
• In any case the dog belonging to the handler who is coming out of the field is no longer in competition once the handler is replaced by a standby handler.

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18 OR 26 DOG TRIAL

• Confusion in association regarding the break point of trial entries with regard to points, which are awarded.
• For example: a trial chairman has twenty-six entries and conducts the drawing. On the day of the trial one dog drops out for one reason or another. Some believe that if the trial is run with only twenty-five paid dogs plus one bye dog, points will only be awarded based on the eighteen to twenty-five dog range. Therefore on the day of the trial the chairman tries to find a paid entry to replace the dog that has dropped out. Note: the owner of the dog that has dropped out does not have a dog to put in as a replacement.

• First, points are awarded based the number of dogs drawn for the trial (in this case twenty-six dogs drawn). Secondly a trial chairman may not solicit paid entries for the trial after the drawing has been completed.

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